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Aylesbury made it five years without an opening day win by being edged out of a close encounter by title-favourites Leamington at the Meadow.

Whilst the result may not have been totally unexpected, this will have been a frustrating afternoon for Tony Thompson as old problems returned to haunt Aylesbury. He can, however, take many positives from the game. United rarely looked second best, and long term injury absentees Liam Smyth, Matt Butler and Glen Hawkins all came through unscathed, whilst the new 3-5-2 system seemed to work well.

Leamington had the afternoon's first chance, and they should really have done better when Jai Stanley was played through in the area but shot straight at Tom Vincent who parried, the follow-up also easy for Vincent to field.

The returning Stuart Maynard was impressive as the most attacking of Aylesbury's central midfielders, and he went close to opening the scoring on 10 minutes with a fine free-kick that had to be tipped wide by Richard Morris.

Two minutes later Maynard did find the net, when he was released to find himself one-on-one, and he produced an exquisite lob to stylishly mark his comeback to the club after six years. 1-0 Aylesbury

Aylesbury's lead was shortlived, lasting just five minutes. Jai Stanley spotted Vincent well off his line, and smashed home a superb effort from a full 30-yards which sailed over the keeper and into the net. 1-1

The remainder of the half continued to be evenly matched, both sides at time showing flashes of good play and possession.

Liam Reynolds crashed a shot over the bar, prompting cries of ?one Johnny Wilkinson' from his own fans, whilst at the other end Hawkins had a weak effort held by Morris after Nathan Graham had flicked Swonnell's delicate ball into his path.

Leamington were rather lucky not to concede ten minutes from the break when Stevens delivered a dangerous low ball from the byline which ricocheted goalwards off a Brakes' defender, but Guy Sanders was in the right place to block the goalbound ball ? although he knew little about it.

Maynard had a penalty appeal turned down after taking a tumble in the box, in the only other goalmouth action before Mr Mellor blew for the interval.

Half-time: Aylesbury 1-1 Leamington

A rare moment of sloppy defending from the visitors immediately after the break nearly let United in to re-establish the lead. Mealor's ball in from the left was allowed to run through to Ben Stevens, but he could only fire over under intense pressure.

United continued to look for a breakthrough, and a ball swept forward found Maynard running through, but the ball bounced awkwardly for him and he skewed badly off target, to the delight of the large travelling contingent.

A minute later Mealor had a rising effort held comfortably by Morris after he broke forward.

The pace of the game markedly slowed going into the final quarter, but it was Aylesbury who had what odd chances there were. Graham glanced a header just wide in the 67th minute after Maynard had crossed a short corner in.

As the game entered the closing stages, it was Leamington who were beginning to control matters. Mark Bellingham's free-kick crept just wide of the upright, but another free-kick five minutes later proved decisive.

A wicked delivery from the left flank completely evaded Tom Vincent ? who will claim he was fouled ? and dropped to Liam Reynolds who gratefully converted. 2-1 Leamington

Maynard tried in vein to grab something for the Ducks with a low shot that flashed just wide, but it was all to end in disappointment after such a positive start from Aylesbury.